Daily Edition

Conference rooms

A survey of the panels and seminars happening at AFM.

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.AFM Finance ConferenceAlways a hot ticket, the market's annual finance conference brings together executives and filmmakers to discuss the current state of indie film finance and emerging trends in two back-to-back sessions. The first, titled "New Sources of Equity for Financing Film: Wall Street Develops a Taste for Hollywood," will be moderated by John Burke, partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Llp.; the second is titled "Maximizing Your Distribution Rights." Location: Fairmont Miramar Hotel (101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica). Cost (includes breakfast): $85 per person

4-5:30 p.m.Hong Kong as an Asian Co-Production CenterProgrammed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the session features panelists including Lee Beasley, head of media and entertainment, creative industries, client relationships, Wholesale Banking; Charmaine Koo, partner, Deacons; Han Sanping, general manager, China Film Group Corp.; and Nansun Shi, executive director, Film Workshop Co.

Saturday, Nov. 4

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Pitch Me!Good in a Room president Stephanie Palmer moderates this session in which a dozen filmmakers pitch their projects to a panel of industry experts -- agents, producers and production executives -- who give feedback to each participant. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended. Cost: $50 per person

11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.Who Backs Movies and WhyFilm financiers and packagers explain what elements they look for in projects to assess whether a given film could be a viable investment. Panelists include William Morris Independent co-head Cassian Elwes and Participant Prods.' Diane Weyermann.

3-4:30 p.m.Practical Production Incentives: What You Think You'll Get, What You Actually Get and How to Make It BetterPanelists include producer Dama Chasle, Blue Rider partner Jeff Geoffray and 2929 Entertainment production head Mike Upton.

Monday, Nov. 6

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Writing for the Marketplace: How Trends Are Determining ContentScreenwriters discuss the impact of business trends in marketing and distribution on the subjects they chose to write about. Scripter Billy Ray moderates a panel that includes writers Doug Atchison, Jessica Bendinger and Tyger Williams.

2-3:30 p.m.House of Cards: Perspectives on Collapsing the Exhibition WindowsFilmmakers, exhibitors and distributors discuss the business implications of one of the most important trends happening today. Panelists include John Fithian, president and CEO, National Association of Theatre Owners.

4-5:30 p.m.Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Film Festivals!Festival programmers explain what kinds of projects appeal to them and how filmmakers can navigate the festival experience. Women in Film International chair June Shelley moderates. Panelists include Nancy Collet, director of programming, AFI Fest presented by Audi; Matt Dentler, film-festival producer, South by Southwest Conferences and Festivals; Eleonora Granata, U.S. representative/programmer, Venice International Film Festival; Caroline Libresco, senior programmer, Sundance Film Festival; and Rachel Rosen, director of programming, Los Angeles Film Festival.

Tuesday, Nov. 7

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Totems & Taboos: The Rules and Myths of the International MarketplaceFind out what genres work best overseas and how to best navigate the channels of international distribution. Panelists include Kirk D'Amico, president and CEO, Myriad Pictures; and Stuart Ford, president of First Look International.